Well over 1,000 people attended a send-off Thursday night for a massive statue of Marilyn Monroe that has become beloved by both tourists and locals in the two years it was on loan from The Sculpture Foundation.

The Desert Sun ( http://bit.ly/1mxlYak ) reports the downtown party included a performance by the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus. Guests included Carol Channing, who originated on Broadway the role Monroe played in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.”

The 26-foot-tall, 34,000-pound statue named “Forever Marilyn” will soon go to Hamilton, N.J., for an exhibit honoring its designer, Seward Johnson.

The sculpture depicts Monroe in her memorable billowing skirt pose from the “The Seven Year Itch.”

City officials told party-goers they would do all they could to bring her back.